25 JULY – 1 AUGUST 2026
Secrets of the Douro
featuring
RICHARD THOMPSON, DAVE PEGG
AND ANTHONY JOHN CLARKE
Welcome aboard the cruise of a lifetime on the beautiful Douro River!
We set sail from the historic and enchanting town of Porto – perhaps having tasted some of the sumptuous array of the local Port wines. Soon we are gliding through dramatic narrow canyons past timeless terraces and sun soaked vineyards along the banks. Our journey takes us to some of the most impressive views along the way including a full day of sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. Travel to the beautiful ‘Golden City’ for a walking tour, and later on in the week you’ll have the chance to visit the marvellous Baroque village of Lamego, stopping to see the picturesque Shrine of Our Lady.
The Douro forms part of the border between Portugal and Spain and is 560 miles long in total, with the navigable section being 130 miles, from Porto to the Spanish border
The scenery is lush and unspoilt with medieval villages peppering the spectacular countryside, and grapes, olives and almonds growing in the fields as far as the eye can see.
You will of course want to try the fabulous variety of local wines, along with local delicacies and delicious tapas. The culinary experience on board is the epitome of fine dining with complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner.
And you’ll not be short of something to do. Spend your afternoons at leisure on board or venture out with one of the optional land tours. You might take a leisurely stroll through the fascinating riverside towns and pretty villages where we stop, or you may be tempted by some of the other optional activities on offer, such as a guided tour of Salamanca, wine tasting and vineyard walks, Portuguese cooking demonstrations or cocktail making lessons.
Of course, you are free to do as much or as little as you wish on your cruise – Gym or Gin and Tonic? Sightseeing or Sun-lounger? It’s entirely your call. This cruise is the ultimate in relaxation, cultural exploration and fine dining, and that’s before the superb after-dinner entertainment on board.
Richard will be performing some of his well-loved songs, along with tracks from his newest album, ‘Ship to Shore’ perfectly suited for this week at sea. Known for his genre defying mastery of both acoustic and electric guitar, Richard’s engaging energy and onstage wit continue to win him new fans and solidify his place as one of Folk Rock’s most distinctive talents. We’re also thrilled to welcome Fairport Convention’s legendary Dave Pegg, bringing his renowned bass guitar skills to the stage. Admired by fans and fellow musicians alike, Dave’s contributions to folk-rock history are nothing short of iconic. Rounding out the lineup, we’re excited to have Anthony John Clarke, one of the most entertaining acts around. With his signature blend of humor, compassion, irreverence, and sharp guitar skills, Anthony is sure to impress the audience with his unmistakable voice and charm.
With only 56 cabins on board, this really is a once in a lifetime opportunity not to be missed.
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What’s Included?
- 7 night cruise on-board The Emerald Radiance with breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks with meals.
- Services of an experienced English-speaking onboard Cruise Director
- Services of your onboard Harmony Voyages Tour Manager
- Onboard entertainment
- In-stateroom infotainment centre
- Complimentary state-of-the-art audio headsets for optional excursions
- All local taxes & port charges
- Optional coach and rail package, see below for details
- Welcome Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner and Captain’s Farewell Dinner
- On board fitness centre, spa, sauna and library
*All dietary requirements can be catered for, however please do let us know in advance of your cruise.
** Cruise not suitable for anyone with limited mobility, unable to climb steps to the sun deck.
Accommodation
Emerald Radiance
Cabins
River View Suite (27.9m2)
Queen-size or twin beds, private balcony with open-air system, separate bedroom and lounge area, pillow menu, en-suite bathroom with bath & separate shower, toiletries, hair dryer, on board complimentary bathrobes and slippers, walk-in wardrobe, mini-bar restocked daily with wine, beer and soft drinks, Nespresso machine, continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in your suite, four items of laundry per day, complimentary water restocked daily, complimentary Wi-Fi, use of an iPad, flat screen TV and infotainment system, individual climate control, personal safe, umbrella, telephone and walking sticks.
Price from £5,914
Horizon Deck
Owners One Bedroom Suite (26.5m2)
Queen-size or twin beds, separate bedroom and lounge area, pillow menu, private balcony with open-air system, en-suite bathroom with shower, toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers, walk-in wardrobe, mini- bar, restocked daily with wine, beer and soft drinks, Nespresso machine, continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in your suite, four items of laundry per day, complimentary water restocked daily, complimentary Wi-Fi, use of an iPad, flat screen TV and infotainment system, individual climate control, personal safe, umbrella, telephone and walking sticks.
Price from £5,257
Horizon Deck
Panorama Balcony Suite (14.9m2)
Queen-size or twin beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, en-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers, mini-bar available at own expense, complimentary water restocked daily, complimentary Wi-Fi, flat screen TV and infotainment system, individual climate control, personal safe, umbrella, telephone and walking sticks.
Price from £3,978
Horizon / Vista Deck
Rivera Deck Stateroom (14.3m2)
Price from £2,938
Riviera Deck
Your journey will visit along the way
Itinerary
Luxury River Cruising, World Class Entertainment
Optional Excursions
coming soon
Prices
| Cabin Grade | Deck | Cabin Category | Price per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald River View Suite 27.9m2 | Horizon Deck | CAT RA | £5,914 - SOLD OUT |
| Owners one bedroom suite 26.5m2 | Horizon Deck | CAT SA | £5,257 - SOLD OUT |
| Panorama Balcony Suite 15.8m2 | Horizon Deck | CAT P | £4,595 - SOLD OUT |
| Panorama Balcony Suite 14.9m2 | Horizon Deck | CAT A | £4,186 |
| Panorama Balcony Suite 17.9m2 | Vista Deck | CAT R | £4,087 - SOLD OUT |
| Panorama Balcony Suite 14.9m2 | Vista Deck | CAT B | £4,087 |
| Panorama Balcony Suite 14.9m2 | Vista Deck | CAT C | £3,978 |
| Panorama Balcony Suite SOLO 14.9m2 | Vista Deck | SOLO CAT C | £5,999 |
| Emerald Stateroom 15.8m2 | Riviera Deck | CAT D | £3,025 - SOLD OUT |
| Emerald Stateroom SOLO 14.9m2 | Riviera Deck | SOLO CAT E | £4,999 |
| Emerald Stateroom 14.3m2 | Riviera Deck | CAT F | £2,938 - SOLD OUT |
A deposit of 15% of the total booking amount will be required upon booking.
Transport Options
Getting there
Forget about long queues at the airport, pulling heavy suitcases, frustrating flight delays – why not extend your cruise holiday, sit back and unwind on board our luxury coach and take in some of the most sought-after sights and enjoy many beautiful towns along the route. Once your suitcase is loaded, no need to remove liquids, electrical items or empty your pockets, board the coach, relax and enjoy your land tour to the ship. Our carefully curated 7-night adventure offers not just a means of transportation, but an experience that prioritises your comfort and enjoyment every step of the way.
- Hostess service on board
- Regular, off-motorway comfort breaks
- Comfortable 4* hotels
- Overnight B&B stays: 5 pre-cruise and 2 post-cruise
- Monday 20th July 2026
- Tuesday 21st July 2026
- Wednesday 22nd July 2026
- Thursday 23rd July 2026
- Friday 24th July 2026
- Saturday 25th July 2026
- Saturday 1st August 2026
- Sunday 2nd August 2026
- Monday 3rd August 2026
We depart early this morning from our pick-up locations and travel to Portsmouth, where we board the ferry for our journey to Spain.
Pick-up locations: Manchester Airport /Birmingham Airport /London Heathrow with motorway service pick-ups on request.
This morning, we wake up at sea as we continue our relaxing journey across the Bay of Biscay towards Spain.
Today, we arrive in Santander, Spain. From there, we enjoy a scenic 40-minute drive to one of the most picturesque villages in the country – Santillana del Mar. We then stop in Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, renowned for its stunning Gothic Cathedral, for lunch and some sightseeing. We spend our first night on land near A Coruña, home to the Tower of Hercules, the oldest functioning Roman lighthouse in the world.
After breakfast, we visit Santiago de Compostela, a city steeped in history and the final destination of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Here, we enjoy lunch and free time to explore the city’s remarkable landmarks. We then continue to Viana do Castelo, a charming coastal city in northern Portugal, rich in culture and surrounded by spectacular scenery. We stay here for two nights, experiencing its unique attractions and sampling some of the finest cuisine Portugal has to offer in a destination refreshingly untouched by mass tourism.
Today offers an optional excursion to Guimarães, often referred to as the birthplace of Portugal. Explore its historic centre with highlights including a Gothic monastery, a well-preserved medieval castle, and a graceful 15th-century palace. Alternatively, visit Braga, Portugal’s third-largest city, famous for its ornate Baroque architecture and a vibrant selection of bars, restaurants, and shops nestled among charming streets.
Upon arrival in Porto, enjoy some free time to explore this vibrant city at your leisure before boarding the ship.
After disembarkation of the ship, we journey through Salamanca, a captivating city in the Castile and León region of Spain, over to Valladolid for an overnight stay.
After awakening in Valladolid, we make a late morning transfer over to Santander in time for the 14:00 sailing to Portsmouth.
We arrive in Portsmouth and return to our original UK pick-up locations.
Price per person sharing a twin/double: £1,450
Price per person sole occupancy: £2,100
Based on 4* hotels, room and breakfast. Detailed itinerary available on request.
Playlist
Frequently Asked Questions
Are flights included?
You are responsible for your own travel arrangements to and from the ship. However, we are happy to assist with booking flights on your behalf. Please contact us for details if you require assistance.
Which airport do I need to fly into/home from?
Porto Airport (OPO).
What time can I board the ship on embarkation day?
Embarkation times differ with every itinerary, but you’ll be informed of the time you’re expected to arrive at your vessel in your pre-departure documents.
Is there WiFi onboard?
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available on board all Emerald Cruises Ships throughout the public spaces, cabins, and suites.
Please note, Wi-Fi connection strength and speed may change as the vessel moves.
What is the dress code onboard?
We want to you feel comfortable on board, the dress code is casual during the day and in the evening smart casual. Think what would I wear for a meal out in a restaurant at home?
Mooring and docking
Local river authorities allocate docking space around ship arrivals and departures in port. Occasionally port conditions require ships to tie up alongside each other, in which case guests may be required to walk through another ship to access their own ship. This is part of the river cruise experience and is perfectly normal and beyond our control. Guests may experience obstructed views from staterooms when the ship is docked.
What about gratuities?
Gratuities for the ship’s staff and crew are included in your cruise price.
Clothing
Comfortable, casual clothing is appropriate both onshore and onboard and we suggest lightweight clothing that can be layered. Shorts are appropriate for most tours, however long pants may be required for inside visits on some excursions. Your cruise manager will advise when and if this is required. You may find a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option. Don’t forget to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) or even a heavier-weight wind-breaker for cooler temperatures. Also, keep in mind that the ship, coaches and other venues visited on our itinerary are air conditioned and may be quite cool. We recommend that you pack a lightweight sweater or long sleeve shirts and carry them with you on excursions.
Are airport transfers included?
Airport transfers are included on embarkation and disembarkation days. Should you opt to extend your stay at the end of your cruise, you will be responsible for your own transfer.
What time is disembarkation from?
As the ship has a quick turnaround, you will be required to vacate your cabin after breakfast on the day of departure. If you have a late flight or transfer you may be able to store your luggage on board until later in the day, depending on the ship’s itinerary. The crew on board will be happy to assist.
Is there an elevator onboard?
Lifts service three out of the four decks, with access to the Sun Deck only possible using stairs.
What is the electrical supply voltage onboard?
European plug sockets providing a voltage of 220V are provided.
What is the currency onboard?
The on board currency on Emerald Cruises Ships and luxury yachts sailing through Europe is the Euro.
What to pack?
The following items are essential for any destination: sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, and maybe an umbrella. It is recommended that you bring duplicates of prescription eye wear, copies of prescriptions for any medications (generic equivalents are usually easier to obtain), copies of credit card information, and copies of your passport information pages. An adaptor / transformer may be necessary (the on-board power supply is 230V AC/50 Hz) if you bring any electronic devices with you.
What happens if the artist that I booked to see is unable to perform at the festival / holiday?
As you have booked a holiday, then the holiday will still take place. In the event of a festival where there are multiple artists, the full programme will still be performed and any artists unable to travel will be replaced. In the event of a river cruise or other holiday where only one artist is performing, the artist will be replaced with an alternative artist of a similar genre. The cost of the holiday is not refundable.
We look after you every step of the way
We are a small experienced team who look after you from first enquiry, right through to the end of your holiday. The same people who help you with your booking, will be in the resort or on the cruise to look after you. We are extremely proud of the personal service that we provide and when you need to get in touch, there are no call centres, just the same people you’ve always being dealing with.
Need help with flights, care hire or extra nights? We are just a phone call away…
Not made up your mind yet?
Read reviews from our customers
Shirley Harry and Andy Smith
Saxmundham
“The music, sound reproduction and setting was fantastic and the hotel, accommodation, staff and food were superb…
No detail was overlooked by the Harmony Voyages team, and it felt like we were in a dream – well done!“
Sue Sherman
“I was a bit anxious about being on my own but as all the guests were like minded people it was fine…
Made some new friends and meeting and singing with Fairport Convention is a cross on my bucket list. All the crew and Harmony staff were so friendly and helpful and nothing was too much trouble. I’ve put my name down for the next one. Can’t wait. Thank you.“
Jan Johnson
Palm Desert
“My first Costa Festival Portugal was fabulous...
I attended for the opportunity to work with Paul Clark with watercolors and for the “over the top” musicians. Each day was a delight with art techniques and an all encompassing musical environment. Total relaxation and peace and I learned so much. I will be back.“
